No hospital services affected despite heavy snow

All services at Kettering General Hospital are said to be up and running despite today’s heavy snow.

A spokesman for the hospital said no wards or units had been forced to shut because of the weather.

Meanwhile, people are being reminded to think carefully about what services they choose to use in the event of suffering injuries in trips and falls on the ice.

A spokesman for the NHS said people living in Corby can use the town’s Minor Injuries Unit based at the Diagnostic Centre in Cottingham Road rather than visiting the accident and emergency department at KGH.

Residents are also asked to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours during the cold snap.

Dr Stephen Horsley, director of public health for NHS Northamptonshire, said: “In Northamptonshire alone, about 13 per cent of our households are elderly people living on their own, with 11.5 per cent of households living in fuel poverty. It is essential that we provide all the support we can to help ensure these people are kept safe and well.”

Winter packs containing advice on how people can keep warm and well, a publicity drive to signpost vulnerable people to the designated helpline number 0845 677 2220 and other support will be distributed during mid January to February in town centre locations.

The winter packs are being targeted at those most at risk, they include; thermometers, carbon monoxide detectors, service providers’ information and a practical checklist to ensure you or someone you care about is warm this winter. The campaign encourages local residents to check on and ensure that vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives in high risk groups are looked out for this winter.

For more information visit www.wrappedup.org.uk or if you or someone you know needs support to keep warm call 0845 677 2220, between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.